Overnight Operation Seizes Maduro and Cilia Flores The United States executed a surprise raid on the night of Jan. 2‑3, 2026, boarding President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores at their Fort Tiuna residence and placing them aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima bound for New York [1][2][3]. More than 150 aircraft from roughly 20 bases—including fighters, bombers, drones and helicopters—supported the extraction, a “meticulously planned” campaign designed to limit civilian casualties [2][3][4][5]. Venezuelan forces kept key sites guarded, but the rapid strike hit multiple military and civilian locations within a 30‑minute window [4][5].

Trump Declares U.S. Will Temporarily Run Venezuela President Donald Trump told reporters that the United States would administer Venezuela “for a period of time” during a transition, emphasizing that oil revenues would be sold to fund reconstruction [1][4][5]. He asserted a U.S. presence was already in place, yet observers noted no visible signs of American governance in Caracas, where Venezuelan troops continued to man the palace and bases [1][2][5]. The administration framed the move as a temporary stewardship rather than a full annexation [3][4].

Justice Department Files Narcoterrorism Indictment Against Maduro Duo On Jan. 3, 2026, the DOJ released a superseding indictment charging Maduro and Flores with conspiracy to commit narco‑terrorism, alleging decades‑long drug trafficking that financed the regime [1][2][3][5]. The charges will be pursued in a New York federal court, reinforcing the U.S. narrative that the capture was a law‑enforcement action as well as a geopolitical one [1][3]. Prosecutors highlighted links between the Venezuelan government and international narcotics networks [2][5].

Global Leaders Condemn Strike, Cite Legal and Security Concerns The United Nations issued a statement expressing deep alarm and warning that the operation sets a dangerous precedent for international law [2][3][4][5]. Cuba, China and Russia each condemned the raid as a violation of sovereignty, with Cuba demanding proof of life for Maduro and China labeling the act “illegal” [3][4][5]. The UN call for restraint was echoed by regional warnings about airspace closures; commercial flights over Venezuela were halted, disrupting Caribbean routes [2]. In contrast, Venezuelan expatriate communities in South Florida celebrated the capture, illustrating divergent domestic reactions [3].